Overkill Router and Dumb switch compared to consumer router and overkill switch
Overkill Router and Dumb switch compared to consumer router and overkill switch
I set up the Netgear R7000 using a budget dummy switch without any problems. I only had the switch since I wanted extra Ethernet connections.
When playing, everything depends on latency. If you choose a monitor with high FPS, it matters how many packets your network sends each second. Each packet gets wrapped in a frame—use Jumbo frames for games, but turn them off when downloading. Remember, the slower side limits you, and your router plays a big role too.
Unless you require VLANs, an unmanaged switch works just fine—when VLANs are necessary, the standard “Smart” switches on the market are decent options (they used to be poor quality). I’d allocate more budget toward the router, up to a point. My preferred picks are Netgate (PFSense), Mikrotik router, or products from Ubiquiti such as Edge or Unifi, in that sequence.
I’d likely choose an Overkill router with an unmanaged switch. Many users don’t require Layer 3 switches or VLANs—perhaps PoE if they have many cameras or APs. I currently use an Edgerouter 4 and an Edgeswitch 24-250W, but I’m studying networking so it’s ideal for a home lab.
I somewhat concur with Scottyseng. Your router significantly influences your internet speed. Investing in a router with a robust dual-core processor—some even offer quad cores—will greatly benefit when many devices are connected. A standard gigabit switch should suffice if you're mainly accessing the internet. For a high-end NAS with several heavy users, a slightly upgraded switch might be worthwhile, though it's not essential. Unless your devices are all operating at near-gig speeds simultaneously, a more powerful switch isn't necessary. If you're looking for a solution, Netgear Smart switches offer a solid balance—similar performance to consumer models but with enhanced features.